The Health Benefits Of Calendula

Calendula, or Marigold, is a flower that is common to North America and Europe. The brightly colored petals of the flower have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. It can be taken orally, but it is the topical applications that make it so coveted in the alternative health community. From skin conditions to stomach ulcers, knowing more about calendula will enable you to start putting it to good use in your day-to-day life.

Before you use calendula medicinally it helps to know what makes calendula effective. Calendula is antioxidant rich. Antioxidants help counteract the free radicals that damage cells within the body. Free radicals can be caused by environmental factors such as pollution, or the sun; but free radicals are also a natural by-product of cell oxidation. Calendula also increases blood flow to an area of the body when applied topically, which promotes more rapid healing.

Calendula For Wounds

Calendula can be used to speed up healing if you have a bruise, cut, or burn. The petals of the plant are turned into an ointment, tincture, or wash that is applied topically. In addition to speeding up the healing process, calendula also has mild antibacterial properties so it can help prevent and treat minor infections in wounds. Calendula can be applied topically three to four times daily as needed.

Calendula For Skin Care

Calendula has many benefits for the skin. It can be applied via a tincture, ointment, or wash. Calendula is often found on the ingredient list for things like diaper rash ointment because of the fact that it promotes healing and can control infection. It is also used to treat skin rashes such as dermatitis and eczema. Calendula can be applied two to four times daily as needed to treat skin conditions. Calendula has also been used as a natural cure for acne.

Calendula Tea

Calendula tea has been used medicinally to treat upset stomach, stomach ulcers and to relieve the pain associated with menstrual cramps. However, calendula can affect the menstrual cycle so you should not use it when you are trying to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breast-feeding. It is not advisable to give children calendula in any preparation they have to consume by mouth. Before taking calendula by mouth, you should consult a physician because it may interact with certain prescription medications; though the risk of interactions is low. You can drink two to three cups of calendula tea daily to reap the medicinal benefits.

Daisy Raybould has a passion for solving health problems the way nature intended. She, along with a number of fellow natural health enthusiasts, share their tips, secrets and recipes designed to help you attain perfect health using the power of nature’s wonders at her natural health blog.

Leave a Reply